A sleepapnea.org study reveals that approximately 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. The hallmark of the disorder is brief breathing interruptions that can cause discomfort.
One of the best solutions is breathing ventilators like CPAP machines designed to deliver an uninterrupted oxygen supply to the body. This way, they help prevent brief breathing interruptions.
Research shows that some CPAP machine models have adverse health defects. As a result, using them for a prolonged period can cause serious injuries. This guide covers potential injuries caused by CPAP machines and what legal actions you can take.
If you’ve suffered from defective CPAP machines, don’t hesitate to contact the Elrod Pope law office for legal assistance. Our legal team is experienced in personal injury cases, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve!
What Makes Some CPAP Machines Dangerous?
CPAP machines manufactured between 2009 and 2021 contain foam used to decrease sound and vibration. The primary foam component is polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR), a health hazard!
Degrading foam releases small particles into the device’s airwaves, which users inhale. The foam can also break down to produce harmful chemicals which can be absorbed or inhaled into the body.
CPAP machines expose users to harmful chemicals like toluene diamine, dimethyl diazene, diethylene glycol, and toluene diisocyanate.
Recalled CPAP Machine Modules
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class I recall of CPAP machines because of the health risks. According to a Reuters report, over 80% of CPAP machines have been recalled. Below is the quick rundown!
- DreamStation CPAP, Auto CPAP.
- DreamStation GO CPAP.
- Dorma 400, 500 CPAP.
- REMStar SE Auto CPAP.
Why is this information crucial? If you are suing for personal injury, it is necessary to have this information. The first step is to prove you sustained injuries from recalled CPAP machines.
Potential Injuries Caused by CPAP Machines
Using recalled CPAP machines increases the chances of developing serious health complications. Below, we take a deep dive into potential injuries caused by CPAP machines!
Cancer
According to an FDA Safety Communication, the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam in CPAP machines can cause some types of cancer. The leading chemical in polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam is Toluene diisocyanate (TDI), which causes cancer.
This chemical contains isocyanates, a compound associated with cancer in humans. Typical cancers caused by CPAP machines are leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Multiple myeloma. Others include lungs, brain, stomach, breasts, and kidney cancer.
Body Organ Failures and Complications
Recalled CPAP machines are linked to different organ failures and complications. When an organ fails, it affects the entire body since organs are interconnected to ensure smooth body functioning. The most affected organs are the heart, kidneys, and liver.
For example, liver failure impedes blood’s ability to clot, and you may lose a lot of blood even from minor cuts. The adverse effect is high blood pressure from fluid build-up in the brain.
Also, kidneys play a crucial role in cleaning the body by removing toxins like acids, wastes, and excess fluids. Unfortunately, kidney failure means regular clean-ups won’t happen, putting CPAP users at more health risks.
Respiratory Disorders
Typical respiratory problems associated with CPAP machines include chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The disorders come about from the Isocyanates compound in polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam.
Also, particles from the degraded foam enter users’ airwaves, causing irritation and lung disease. Respiratory disorders are characterized by inflamed airways, wheezing, and coughing.
Other Injuries
Other potential CPAP machine injuries include stroke, severe headaches and dizziness, eye, nose, skin irritation, allergic reactions to some chemicals, congenital disabilities, genetic anomalies, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Compensation for CPAP Machine Injuries
Compensation for defective CPAP machines borders medical expenses, lost wages, trauma, anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Medical expenses–treating different types of cancer, organ failures, and respiratory disorders is expensive and requires a substantial medical budget. Footing the bills yourself can be daunting!
- Lost wages–lost wages are primarily brought about by health complications, which may require one to take sick leaves or resign.
This is likely to result in trauma, anxiety, stress, and depression for CPAP users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a CPAP machine cause health problems?
Defective CPAP machines contain the health hazard polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR), which causes cancer, respiratory disorders, and organ failure.
What are the long-term effects of using a CPAP machine?
The long-term effects of using a CPAP machine include residual excessive sleepiness (RES) and CPAP nonadherence.
What are the disadvantages of using a CPAP machine?
The primary disadvantages of CPAP machines include dry mouth, nosebleeds, nasal congestion, and difficulty falling asleep in the beginning.
